One of the most popular apps you’ll find throughout Spokane is Grubhub, which is a food delivery service that many local restaurants use to get their product out to patrons and customers. While it’s certainly a convenient way to get food, it ultimately relies on hundreds of delivery drivers who have to bring the product up to your door.
It’s worth noting that a Grubhub driver doesn’t actually work for the company itself, but rather is an “independent contractor.” What this means for you as a Grubhub driver is that you don’t have the backing of the company when it comes to insurance should you get hurt in an accident. And as a Grubhub delivery driver in Spokane, one of the most common ways this can happen is in a dog attack.
At Crary and Domanico, P.S., our Spokane dog bite lawyers can help you through the legal process if you’ve suffered a dog bite while delivering a Grubhub order. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
Do You Need a Lawyer if You’re a Grubhub Driver That’s Bitten by a Dog in Spokane?
Getting bitten by a dog as a Grubhub driver is going to lead to a number of questions. One of the biggest you’ll have to answer is whether or not you need a lawyer. While there’s no explicit requirement in Washington that says you have to have a lawyer, taking advantage of the assistance of our seasoned team can significantly enhance the outcome of your injury claim. We approach this matter in various ways specifically tailored to dog bite cases:
- Legal guidance – Our knowledgeable team, well-versed in Washington state’s dog bite laws, provides clear insights into your rights and legal options.
- Investigating the incident – Following any dog bite, we conduct a comprehensive investigation, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts to bolster your case.
- Collecting evidence – Collaborating with you, we collect crucial evidence such as animal control bite reports, medical records, and available surveillance footage–vital components for constructing a strong claim.
- Talking with insurance companies – A significant aspect of our strategy involves liaising with insurance companies and other relevant parties, typically through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
- Negotiation – Our skilled lawyers and team excel in negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair resolution or settlement that adequately covers your damages.
- Representing you in court – If negotiations falter, we’re prepared to transition to legal representation in a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner. In court, we will adeptly present your case.
In the aftermath of a dog bite leading to injury or inability to keep working as a Grubhub driver, our approach serves as a guide to getting the essential legal support for your recovery. Still, it’s important to understand how the law works in Washington and what the process is like.
Legal Process After a Spokane Dog Bite on a Grubhub Delivery Driver
Deciding to file a claim after being bitten by a dog is a very important step in your recovery. First and foremost, though, it’s important to know how Washington law approaches dog bites. Under Washington law, a dog owner is “strictly liable” for any injuries and damages their dog causes.
This is critical in the context of a dog bite as a Grubhub driver, because it means that regardless of the circumstances, the dog owner is responsible for covering your injuries and damages. Moreover, this applies whether or not the dog has shown aggression before.
Before entering the legal process, there a few steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a dog bite to protect your rights:
- Seek immediate medical care – Swift medical attention is crucial to prevent infections and potential complications.
- Report to animal control and the homeowner – Promptly inform animal control and the homeowner. This aids in locating the dog and reviewing its history.
- Submit an incident report – Even though you’re not technically an employee of Grubhub, you should still report the incident to them. This will create a record of the incident and should alert other drivers.
- Gather information – If possible, collect details about the dog and its owner, including the owner’s name and contact information. This information could be crucial for potential legal or insurance claims.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Follow your physician’s wound-care instructions diligently. This helps minimize the risk of infections, which are common concerns after a dog bite.
Claims Process
Procedurally, victims bitten by dogs generally have two options to pursue an injury claim against the owner: filing an insurance claim with their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance or opting for a lawsuit. The process may add complexity if the dog was off its leash, but the owner or keeper remains liable.
Regardless of the option you choose, which may involve a combination of both, you can secure crucial financial support for your injuries and losses, legally referred to as “damages.” In a standard Washington dog bite claim, these damages typically include the following:
- Coverage for medical expenses and ongoing care – This includes surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Financial considerations for pain and suffering – Damages for the emotional distress endured during the incident.
- Recovery of damages for emotional distress – Financial support for the emotional distress caused by the dog bite.
- Financial support for lost income or earning potential – Damages for income or earning potential lost due to the incident.
- Support for property damage – Assistance for any property damage resulting from the dog bite.
- Potential punitive damages – Applicable if the dog owner’s conduct demonstrated significant negligence.
In the end, the amount you receive hinges on the severity of your injuries. It’s crucial to bear in mind that, similar to any other injury claim in Washington, a dog bite accident is subject to a statute of limitations. This statute sets the deadline for filing a claim. In Washington, the statute of limitations for dog bite accidents is three years from the date of the incident. Failing to meet this deadline could result in forfeiting the opportunity to recover damages for your injuries.
What Can Lead to Dog Bites on Spokane Grubhub Drivers?
There’s no way around it: if you’re a Grubhub driver in Spokane, you’re going to encounter a lot of dogs during your deliveries. A number of factors come into play in this situation, which unfortunately can lead to a dog bite:
- Frequent interaction with dogs – Grubhub drivers often encounter dogs while delivering orders, increasing the likelihood of potential dog bites.
- Unfamiliar environments – Drivers may enter unfamiliar neighborhoods or homes, where dogs may perceive them as intruders and react defensively.
- Lack of restraining – Some dog owners may not properly restrain or control their pets, leading to unexpected and potentially aggressive interactions with delivery drivers.
- Protective instincts – Dogs may exhibit protective behavior towards their owners or territory, especially if they perceive a threat from a stranger.
- Stressful situations – The delivery process, including knocking on doors or entering properties, can create stressful situations for both dogs and drivers, potentially triggering aggressive responses.
To mitigate the risk of dog bites, drivers should remain vigilant, follow safety protocols, and be aware of their surroundings when delivering orders, especially in areas where dogs are present. However, the fact remains that you have legal rights in this situation and our team can help you.
Contact CCD Law After Being Bitten by a Dog in Spokane
If you’re like most Grubhub delivery drivers, you’re just trying to make some extra income. So, being bitten by a dog can seriously impact not only your health and mental well-being, but your overall financial situation.
At CCD Law, we understand how difficult these situations can be. We’ll explain your options and guide you through the legal process to gain some measure of compensation. Contact us today to set up a free consultation to get started.
